Description
Mediterranean-inspired ground beef orzo brings robust flavors dancing across plates, filling kitchens with comforting aromas. Rich tomato cream sauce and tender pasta create a delightful weeknight dinner you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish:
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet over medium temperature, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom smoothly.
- Introduce diced onions into the pan, allowing them to soften and become translucent while gently stirring.
- Sprinkle minced garlic into the aromatics, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release its robust fragrance.
- Crumble ground beef into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break down the meat into uniform pieces while seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Continue cooking the meat until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color with no remaining pink areas.
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the meat mixture, incorporating red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat, then reduce the temperature and let the sauce simmer and develop depth.
- Introduce orzo directly into the skillet, accompanied by water or broth, ensuring the grains are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Raise the heat momentarily to establish a rolling boil, then immediately lower to a gentle simmer, allowing the orzo to absorb the flavorful liquid and become tender.
- When the pasta reaches an al dente consistency and most liquid has disappeared, stream heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously.
- Let the sauce thicken slightly, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the meat and pasta.
- Transfer to serving dishes, generously garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish.
- For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to lower calorie content.
- Experiment with alternative proteins like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for different dietary needs.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of red wine during the tomato simmering stage for deeper, richer taste notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg